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Coronavirus

Message from campus leaders on the return to academics

Provost Robert Blouin and Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jonathan Sauls share resources available to students as the semester resumes and remote learning begins.

The University seal affixed to a stone pillar at the Cameron Avenue entrance
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill affixed to a stone pillar at the Cameron Avenue entrance. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Dear Carolina students,

As you prepare to return to your spring 2020 classes and transition to remote learning on March 23, we want to welcome you back and acknowledge that together we are entering a new world. These past few weeks have been a period of disruption, worry and loss. Many of you have had to return suddenly from study abroad programs that you had long looked forward to attending. Others have had to leave your residence halls and apartments just as springtime is arriving in Chapel Hill. Still, others have lost the opportunity to compete with your teammates. And all of you have had to say goodbye for now to campus life with friends who inspire you, and to the daily joys of face-to-face community with one another.

It is important to acknowledge these losses and also to see that there is a way forward and trust that we will find it together. The same strengths that brought you to Carolina — your brilliance; your work ethic; your willingness to see the best in others — will help you respond to the current moment with courage, resilience and creativity. These strengths will also help you finish this semester and continue to make progress towards your degree and towards the life you want to lead.

Over the last two weeks, your professors have worked tirelessly to prepare for remote teaching and learning. They know that this is an extraordinary time for you, just as it is an extraordinary time for them, and they are committed to responding to your questions and helping you make the most of the rest of the semester. If you need something from them, please just ask, and we are confident they will do their best.

Below are resources available to support you as the semester resumes and remote learning begins:

We are committed to supporting you and helping you stay on track towards your degree. The University has been posting important information and links to resources on UNC-Chapel Hill’s coronavirus website. Keep checking this page for updates. Next week we will launch new online resources specifically for students, including a CV19 Virtual Student Care Hub that will help us better understand what you need and how we may help. Students can contact the virtual hub at covidcareforstudents@unc.edu.

In closing, we want to thank you. Your strength and resilience inspire us and we promise you the support of your University as we all rise to face these challenges.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Blouin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Jonathan Sauls
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs